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POHOʻIKI, Hawaiʻi - Tears of joy, hugs of gratitude, and lots of smiles were seen as Isaac Hale Beach Park was reopened to the public on Thursday afternoon.

(BIVN) – James “Kimo” Luluhiwalani Awai III performed an emotional blessing before the reopening of Isaac Hale Beach Park, which has been transformed by the recent eruption of Kīlauea Volcano on the lower East Rift Zone.

The popular beach area, previously an important boat ramp, has been closed to the public since May, and at one point it was isolated on either side by lava flows. The lava covered a portion of Pohoʻiki on the north side and filled in part of the bay, but ultimately spared the park. An inviting black sand beach now stretches across the shoreline.

The blessing featured the giving of hoʻokupu, led by the students from Kua O Ka Lā Public Charter School, and followed by others with deep appreciation for the treasured Pohoʻiki. Mayor Harry Kim and other county officials were present for the blessing.